Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Leaving Dancing With the Stars (For Real This Time)? >>Hollywood

Maksim Chmerkovskiy is leaving Dancing With the Stars, according to reports.

Sources close to the show say the Ukrainian hunk spoke with producers a few days ago and told them he won't be returning for the Spring 2013 season.

The 33-year-old dancer has been on the show since Season 2 (2006).

He has partnered with the likes of Brandy, Misty May, Laila Ali, Erin Andrews, Kirstie Alley, Mel B and Hope Solo, who infamously claimed he slapped her.

Maks denies that claim, but is universally regarded as a tough but effective teacher. He has never won the Mirror Ball ... just big ratings for the ABC show.

Chmerkovskiy wants to stay in the entertainment world and is pursuing movie and TV projects, but says he is serious this time that he's done with DWTS.

Would you watch Dancing With the Stars without Maks?

 

Of course. It's about more than one person.Maybe. Kind of getting sick of it anyway.No way. If Maks goes I go.